York County officials: Drug task force split patched up

District Attorney Tom Kearney and York City Police Chief Wes Kahley say the reported rift between their two agencies is over, or never really happened, whatever it was about.

Kearney, following Thursday's news conference on the York County Drug Task Force's "Operation Sunrise" drug bust, chose to paraphrase Mark Twain: "The rumors of this rift between my office and the city police were greatly exaggerated."

During the news conference, the two were standing next to each other.

Last month, word of a schism between the two agencies came to light, resulting in city detectives being removed from the task force, which Kearney runs, according to York County President Commissioner Steve Chronister.

Chronister said he did not know the reason for the split but said he was disappointed that it had happened.

"For two of the top crime fighters (Kearney and Kahley) to not be able to work out what I see is a simple solution for the benefit of all the residents, whether they live in the city or the county, to me, is pathetic," he said.

Neither Kearney or Kahley would say why the split had occurred.

York Mayor Kim Bracey said last month she had met with Kahley and Kearney regarding the reported divide. She spoke with both men about the importance of working together.

"We're talking through the differences," she said, "and they will be resolved.

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Kearney acknowledged Thursday there had been "disagreements, concerning methods of tactics, methods of procedures - that's why it's a vibrant organization." Kearney said that during "Operation Sunrise," all of the law enforcement entities "worked seamlessly."

"The city police are and will continue to be a vital part of drug work in our community," he said.

On Kahley, Kearney said, "I work with him daily; I speak with the mayor daily."

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